Rafting

We Know How To Go With The Flow

RaftingDuring the summer months Glenwood Springs is a river runners’ dream destination. Two rivers, a whitewater park and seven rafting companies serve our mountain paddling community. In Glenwood Canyon the Colorado River is forced through a narrow girdle of rock on either side making for some of Colorado’s most thrilling splashes with knockout views. Rafting trips typically run mid-April through mid-October, and vary from adrenaline-charged Class III and IV whitewater adventures to scenic float trips for the whole family through Glenwood Canyon. Guided trips range from a few hours to a full day.

Glenwood Springs’ commercial rafting outfitters have decades of experience delivering whitewater excitement to people of all ages and abilities. Many of our guests try Colorado rafting for the first time in Glenwood Springs, and come back year after year for more whitewater action. Companies offer a variety of excursions typically half-day or full-day trips, but look for other options that include doing certain rapids multiple times, rafting in combination with other Glenwood Springs attractions like Glenwood Hot Springs and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park or rafting with activities like horseback riding or cycling.

Mild to wild, a rafting trip in Glenwood Springs will no doubt be a memorable one. Trip highlights often include navigating rapids with names like Upper Superstition and Tombstone. Further downriver, when water levels permit, guides like to stop at hot springs that bubble up at various points along the Colorado River. There are also plenty of places to dive in, swim or get in a splash clash with other rafters.

Reservations for rafting are highly recommended, find out more about all your options by contacting these members of Glenwood Springs’ rafting community.

Where to Float Your BoatIf you decide take your personal or rented raft or kayak downriver, there are a number of formal and informal launch sites along both the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers.

Grizzly Creek Rest Area – This is one of the most popular places for rafters, kayakers and fishing dories to access the Colorado River. The five mile stretch from Grizzly Creek to Two Rivers Park is packed with bumpy Class II and III rapids. Plan for anywhere from a couple of hours to a half-day, depending on river flows.

Shoshone -- About 1.5 miles east of Grizzly is Shoshone, a favorite spot for commercial rafting companies and kayakers who plan to hit the Class IV and V rapids on this section of river. The tumultuous water here requires strong advanced boating skills.

Bair Ranch – Further east in Glenwood Canyon, this rest area provides an informal boat launch. The river here is deep and wide, without significant rapids. It is ideally suited for paddling including canoeing and kayaking. Boaters must exit the river at the Hanging Lake take out, about a 2.5 hour ride downstream.

Two Rivers Park – This is the stopping point for many float trips. An easy to navigate boat ramp is located at river right just past where the Colorado and the Roaring Fork Rivers converge.

Carbondale -- To float the lower section of the Roaring Fork River, launch your boat at Carbondale under Highway 133. This section has great views of Mount Sopris and fun Class II and III rapids with names like Slaughterhouse, Cemetery and Pink to Black. You can take out at the Westbank Bridge, Veltus Park or Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs.